Musical instrument



June 13, 1944. B. N. FOMEEN 2,351,497

MUS I CAL INSTRUMENT Filed April 15, 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q Q N m D aa w in g n & N 3 $3 q INVENTOR.

BPS/L Fumes/v A B. N. FOMEEN 2,351,497

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed April 15, 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Ems/L N F'umEEN b3 NQ m5 N June 13, 1944.

June 13, 1944. s. N. FOMEEN 2,351,497

MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT Filed A ril'ls, 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet s F'IG.2.

INVENTOR. Ems/L, N. F' mEE/v HY 4 A422 June 13, 1944.

B. N. FOMEE N MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed April 15, 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 m mQl S mQ 5 mum R T J m M 3mm U Ff I EN Elm-75m N \g BY j W I H PTTURJNE'HJ June 13, 1944. a. N. FOMEEN 5 MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT Filed April 15. 1941 10 Sheets-Shot 5 INVENT OR.

BY PIS/L, N. F mas/v o 3*. 6 W 3 z FITTDRNE'HJ June 13, 1944. J y B; N. FOMEEN 2,351,497

MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT Filed April 15. 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet e I) \B s [ill I INVENTOR. Ems/L, N Fumes/v BY A HTTURNE'H-I June 13, 1944.

B. N. FQMEEN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed April 15, 194:1

l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 Q BBS/1.. N. Fumes/v BY I HTTURNSHJ I NNdE Patented June 13, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Basil N. Fomeen, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application April 15, 1941, Serial No. 388,687

2 Claims.

This invention relates generally to the art of the production of music, and more particularly to a novel musical instrument. Among the objects of the present invention, lies the provision of a musical instrument which has means for the production of a plurality of musical sounds having different timbre, either singly or in various combinations for the pur pose of obtaining new musical effects, or old musical effects in a more convenient and efficient manner.

In accordance with the herein described improvements introduced in the orchestral field, a large increase in the versatility of the orchestra has resulted. The result of this is that the ability of a limited number of players, operating in a congested space and with a limited number of separate instruments, to produce the musical effects ordinarily produced by more men with greater space and equipment is of tremendous value in the musical field. This value is both commercial and artistic. Artistic in that the tonal effects of a, large organization employing greater space and instrumentation are produced; and commercial in that there is a saving in labor, space and capital investment.

A principal object of the present invention lies in the provision of a composite orchestral instrument which I have chosen to call The Basifon Grand. This instrument combines in a single composite structure means for producing the musical sounds of the piano, organ, vibraphone, chimes and cymbalum.

Another object herein lies in the provision of an instrument capable of producing the above described musical sounds in which there is a desirable coaction between the playing keys, and the musical elements by means of electrical devices so that the response to the players touch is practically instantaneous, yet an entirely natural and unmechanical effect is produced.

A feature of the present musical instrument is that a single player may operate a. plurality of the musical effects at the same time or in quick succession, without undue loss of time between the different effects or undue effort on the part of the player even in long sequences.

A further feature of the present structure lies in the simplicity and durability thereof so that the same may be manufactured at relatively low cost, readily serviced, and easily maintained in perfect playing condition.

Instruments manufactured in accordance with the present disclosure satisfy the professional player by means of their stability and maintenance of proper tonal quality.

As is well known to those skilled in the art of musical instrument design and fabrication,

musical sounds having the greatest fullness (overtone frequency and total frequency range) are produced in instruments having resonators, baffles and chambers of adequate size. Pursuant to my novel construction, proper resonators, baflles and chambers are provided for all of the musical elements, but these are in such arrangement and organization that the instrument is desirably compact.

The present invention is an improvement over the construction shown and described in my Patent No. 2,222,223 granted November 19, 1940.

The above objects and other incidental ends and advantages will more fully appear in the progress of this disclosure and be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings constitutinga material part hereof, similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the invention with the top cover removed. In this View, the chime solenoids and armatures, and the piano strings are not shown, for purposes of clarity.

Figure 1a is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view as seen from the plane la--la on Figure 1, and shows the mode of suspension of the left ends of the chimes.

Figure 1b is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view as might be seen generally from the plane lb on Figure 1 and shows the mode of suspension of the right ends of the chimes.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view, with some of the parts broken away, as might be seen generally along the plane 22 on Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view with some parts in elevation as might be seen generally along the plane 3-3 on Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a. fragmentary enlarged detail view of a piano, hammer and cymbalum effect mechanism, as shown in Figure 3, the parts being in the retracted position thereof.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but shows thecymbalum effect mechanism in the active position thereof. Figure 6 is a fragmentary enlarged plan View of the vibraphone.-

Figure 7 ,is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of one of the electrical keyboards.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of one of the electrical keyboards as might be seen from the plane 8 on Figure '7.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View, some parts being seen in elevation, as might be seen from the plane 9-9 of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, schematic in nature, as might be seen from the plane l0l 9 on Figure 8.

Figure 11 is an electrical circuit diagram showing the hook-up of the chime and Vibraphone keyboards and the chimes and Vibraphone and other electrical components.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view as seen from the plane showing. the organ mechanism.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view as seen from the plane I'3l3 on Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view as seen from the plane l q-I4. on Figure 6. I

Figure 15 is a front elevational view of the first b di ent f he en n s. might be seen: from th left of Figures 1 or 2 v i r ,6 is a' r s sn a rt al ctiqn View 9f h an s o b??? as Seen 9 3 31 i9- -l6 on Figure 15. ure '1 is en r e a me ar d taile sectional view as seen from the plane "-41; on Figure 16.

F r 8 is a V ew aken. s m a l to i ure 13, showing, howeveraano ferform of the organ valve operating connecting rods a V Figure 19 is a View taken si ilar to Figure 5, but showsv the mandolin or cymbalum effect mechanism in its lowered or inactive position Figure 20 is a fragmentary plan View taken similarly to Figure 1, but shows an alternate form of chime damping mechanism. V Figure 21 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detail sectional view as seen from the plane 2 l42l on Figure 20. w

"Figure 22 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing: the mandolin or cymbaluzn effect Inechanism in active p'ositi'on on' the second embodiment of th invention seen m gu a V Figure 23 is a front elevatlonal view'of. asecond, embodiment of the inventionftheupper and lower front cover panels having been removed to expose parts to iew. Figure 24 is a plan view of Vibraphone unit as removed from the lowerpor tion of. the main" casing of the second embodiment.

Figure 25 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view as seen from the plane 25-25 on Figure 24. Figure 26 is an enlarged fragmentary vertica'l sectional view as seen from thefplane 26-26 on Figure 24. 3

Turning now to the first embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figures 1 to 19' inclusive, the musical instrument is generally indicated by numeral 20 and comprises broadly a case 2 l, a piano 22, an organ 23, a Vibraphone 24, chimes 25, and cymbalum effect mechanism 26.

The case 2| has the general size and configuration of grand piano cases presently used, and includes the top wall or cover 21; a curved rear wall 28; front walls 29, 30, 3 1 and'32; left side wall 33 right side wall 34; and bottomfwall 35. The case is supported ina horizontal position above the floor 35- by means of a pair of front legs 3|, on'1y"the left hand one of which is seen in the drawings in Figure 3 and a rear leg 38. The cover 21 is preferably hingedly connected alongthe left hand edge thereof to the upper edge of the left side wall 33, so that the cover may be opened and retained in an angular open position by means of a pivoted brace as is well known in grand piano construction. When this cover 2'? is open, it serves to reflect and thus project the sounds emanating from the case 2| and the organ case 39. Thus all of the music producing means in the instrument 251 are adapted and positioned to have the sound vibrations created thereby, cast and/or reflected by 'the case 20.

stationary base plate has extending perpendicularly upward therefrom, a vertical frame plate 46. The upper portion of the frame plate 45 is associated with the bed plate, the forward portion of which is indicated by numeral 48 and the rear portion of which is indicated by numeral 41. The portion 48 includes vertical and horizontal portions, the latter serving to carry the pin plate 9, which is the usual con struction carrying a. plurality of pins, about which the forward ends of the strings are wound. The pitch of the strings is adjusted by rotating the pins with a wrench. The strings themselves are supported adjacent the outer or rear ends thereof upon bridges which are connected to the sounding board. Since the strings, and associated supportingstructure, as well as the sounding board and bridges are of standard well known construction, the same are not particular ly shown in the drawings, nor is a detailed description thereof considered necessary. In Figure 3, one of the strings is indicated by meral 50 Each of the music producing means is'provided with its own manually operated keyboard, so that facing the musician at the upper front portion of. the instrument'Zll are the piano keyboard 5l, the organ keyboard 52, the Vibraphone keyboard 53, and the'chime keyboard 54'. The keyboards St to 54' inclusive are each independently operable, so that they may be played in sequence orat the same time, depending upon thedexterity or skill of the operator.

Disposed above the stationary base plate 45 is an auxiliary piano keyboard and action support plate 55. This plate may be detachably secured to the upper surface of the base plate 35 in any suitable manner as for example by screws (not shown). A longitudinallyarranged bar (transversely of the instrument 211) carries thereon the plurality of fulcrumsfor the keys 51, the bar 56 being. seen in Figure 3, guide means fifl beirrg attached to the forward. edge of the. 'pla'teifi to control, the. movementrof. the forward. ends of the. piano. keys 5?. ,In Figures 3, 4, 5, and 19; I have shown a conventionalhammer action. such as isiused on the grand type of pianoinwhich .thestrings aremounted horizontally, including the felt faced hammers 5,9. and felt faced dampers 60. The specific hammer action forrnsqno part of the present invention andv is therefore not described. in detaiLlThere are a plurality of the verticalframes 6| arranged: in a row transversely of the-instrument 20, as best seen in Figure-2, andtheupper portions of the frames 6! not only support the fulcrums. for thejham: mers59.but..a1so the cymbalum' or mandolin effect mechanism frames 62.. ;'Ihesc1frames;52 are generally of H shape with the cross bar exaggerated in length, including the end bearing members 63 and the tie-bars 64. The forward ends of the end bearing members are provided withorifice'd ears which are pivotally connected to the blocks 65'. The mechanism frames 62 are elevated or retracted by means of the bell crank structure 66. The bell crank structure 66 is provided with suitable bearings on the upper rear portions of the frames 6|. The connecting rods 65 are connected to a suitable handle or lever adapted for manual operation, the lower portion of the rods 66 "being broken off, and the handle or lever therefor not being shown in the drawings.

The purpose of the bell crank structure 66 and the pivotal'mounting of the frames 62 is to permit the said frames and the other parts attached thereto to be lowered or retracted when the plate 55 is placed-into position on the plate 45, and then after the plate 55 is in proper position, the frames 62 may be elevated. This construction permits use of applicants cymbalum or mandolin effect producing mechanism in grand piano construction where there is relatively close spacing between the piano hammer action having the hammers '59, and the positioning of the strings 50. This feature is of importance because it is considered highly undesirable to raise the total height of the piano case 2| when the same has the cover 21 in the closed position thereof, and also because it permits'the use of the applicants mechanism 26 by installation thereof in pianos having generally standard construction.

Each of the end bearing members 63 is provided with upwardly extending bearing posts 68, and each of the posts is provided with three aligned orifices which serve as journals for the axles 69, 10 and "H (see Figure 19). The uppermost axle 69 has pivotally mounted thereon a plurality of buzzer elements 12. The buzzer elements I2 are preferably substantially flat metal strips having knuckles 13 at the upper ends thereof and metallic enlargements 14 at the lower or free ends thereof. The enlargements 14 are pref erably in the form of solid semi-cylinders, the fiat side thereof disposed along the axis of the cylinder being attached to the outer or rear face of the elements 12. There are as many elements 12 as there are strings 50 or hammers 59. The radius of the are through which the elements 12 are rotatable is such that in the elevated or active position of said elements, the metallic enlargement will be positioned between the head of the hammer 59 and the string which the hammer is adapted'to strike.

The axle 10 carries a plurality of felt carrying elements 15. The elements 15 are pivotally connected at the upper ends thereof upon said axle 10. The lower ends of the elements 15 are provided with a plurality of small felt blocks 16. Any suitable material having the required sound or vibration absorbing, or non-transmitting, characteristics may be used. I have found felt to be most suitable for this purpose.

The axle H has a plurality of radially directed integral extensions. These radial arms 11 are connected together by crank bars '18. Thus, the axle H, the radial arms 11 and the crank bars 18 form a crank shaft extending transversely of the instrument 2B. Rotation of the axle counterclockwise, as viewed in Figures 4, and 19, will result in the elevation of the felt carrying elements I5, the felt blocks on which will elevate thebuzzer elements 12, thus bringing the metallic enlargements 74 into proper position. The means for rotating the axle H may be any preferable structure well known in the piano art, such as flexible piano wire enclosed in rigid tubing or a series of links or links and levers. Such means are not illustrated in the drawings for purposes of clarity, but such means are preferably motivated by foot pressure upon the pedal '19 (Figure 15).

From a perusal of Figures 4, 5 and 19, the installation and operation of the cymbalum or mandolin effect producing mechanism 26 will be readily understood. In Figure 4, the mechanism is shown in the collapsed position thereof, just prior to insertion into the front portion of the instrument casing. In Figure 4, the connecting rod 61 is in the lowered or inactive position thereof. When the connecting rod 61 is elevated, the bell crank structure 65 raises the end bearing members 53 to the elevated or expanded position thereof shown in Figure 19. As stated above, the movement of the connecting rod 61 is made only at the time the hammer action unit is installed within the instrument 20, so that during normal use the parts take the position shown in Figure 19, the connecting rod 61 being lowered only for purposes of the repair or the replacement of parts, at which time the hammer actions and associated parts may be conveniently moved from the case 2|. An any time during the use of the instrument that it is desired to produce a cymbalum or mandolin effect, pressure upon the pedal 19 is transmitted to the axle H by means not shown, so that the same is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, thereby placing the metallic enlargements 14 in a position between the strings 50 and the heads of the hammers 59. Since the enlargements 14 are thus in contact with the strings 50, part of the vibration of each of the strings previously struck is transferred to the enlargements producin vibrations therein and a sound effect similar to that produced by a mandolin or cymbalum.

Turning now to a description of the organ 23 of the instrument 20, the organ includes generally the organ case 39, the keyboard 52, the stop controls H5, the reed box 80 and the suction box 8|.

The arm 23 is preferably of a fiat compact construction, so that the same may be disposed below the stationary base plate 45. As best seen in Figure 13, a pluralit of reeds 82 are disposed over ports 83, which are in turn closed b spring pressed valves 84. The valves 84 are actuated by the valve push rods 85, which extend upwardly through the box 80, and a supporting frame 86, and thence through suitably disposed orifices in the stationary base plate 45 and the supporting plate 55. As seen in Figure 3, the push rods 85 then pass either through orifices in the piano keys 51 or through grooves cut in the op posed lateral surfaces of said keys. The push rods 85 then continue upwardly through the plates 8'! and 88 through suitably disposed orifices therein and are engaged b the lower surfaces of the organ keys 52. The organ keys 52 are mounted for a limited rotation about a horizontal axis in any well known manner, as for example, by means of a row of pins mounted upon the rear portion of the upper plate 81. The forward ends of the keys 52 may be provided with the usual guides for maintaining them in proper position.

Within the organ case 39, there is also disposed a set of bass reeds 89 which are coupled in a w ll. k o a r b e sv f he Ge pling levers 95. The forward ends of thelevers 90 are actuated by the coupler push rods in the usual manner.

The organ stops are located in sets of four, disposed at opposite ends of the organ keybcard 52 and include the stop operating knobs 92 to. 99 inclusive. The knob 92 operates the octave coupler (not shown). The remaining knobs are connected in the usual manner by means not shown, to the stop controllers I03 to'I09 inclusive. The knob 93 controls the bass reeds while the knobs 94 to 90 inclusive, control the various reed voices. The knob 00 controls the vox humana H0. Thevox humana H0 comprises a beater, including a pair Q Qppositely disposed blades III and H2. The; beater H3 is mounted upon a shaft therefor II4, which'is suitably journalled at the ends thereof, The right hand end of the shaft H4 is, connected to a suction driven turbine or air wheel, generally indicated by numeral I I6. Both the reed box 80 and the turbine II6 are pneumatically connected to the suction box BI.

The suction box 8| is provided with an external suction box casing II1, best seen in Figur s 3 an Turning now to Figures to 11 inclusive, the suction box 8| is preferably of rectangular shape, but maybe ofany desired configuration. The box 81 is provided with an entrance orifice H8. and an exit orifice I IS. A centrifugal blower fan I is driven by an electric motor I2I. The motor is carried by a motor support frame I22 which mounts the same so that the motor shaft is ver-.

tically disposed. The frame I22 may be of any desired shape and is mounted upon the inner surfaces of the box BI in uch a manner that the vibration of the motor is insulated from said box. One meansv of providing this insulation is by means of the felt block I23. The upper wall I24, which has the orifice I I8, is provided on the lower surface thereof with a bell I25 which acts as a conduit for the air withdrawn from the organ. As seen on Figure 1'1, the. air withdrawn from the organ by the suction produced b the fan I20, follows the paths indicated by the arrows thereon. The bottom wall I26, which has the exit ori-v fice H9, is provided with a gate valve I21. The gate valve I21 has an angularly disposed front face which is adapted to coact with the valve seat I28, so that when the valve I21 is moved forwardly, it allows the air within the box 8I to go out downwardly to reach the atmosphere. The valve I21 is mounted upon a radial arm I29,

which in turn, is mounted upon a vertically disposed shaft I30. The shaft I is mounted in the journals I3I and I32, which are, in turn, supported inwardly off the front wall I33 of the suction' box casing H1. The upper end of theshaft I30 is connected to the knee control I34. The knee control I34 is maintained in the inner or closed position thereof by means of the contractile spring I35.

Since the centrifugal blower creates an outward air pressure of relatively low order, the movement by the player of the knee control I34 and hence the valve I21, provides a sensitive and highly effective control of organ volume or swell. Th organ 23 is, in the ordinary playing of the instrument, so used only during a portion of the playing time. The organ blower motor I2I is connected to the source of electrical energy by means of the mercury switch I38, which is pivotally mounted on the inner surfaceof the front Wall I33 and conn ct d mechamce l by the link 7 I verse members I16, I11 and I18.

members I14 and I15 is provided with a plural- I30 to the knee control I40. The knee. control I40 is maintained inthe normally inner (ofi) position thereof by thecontractile spring I4I. This structure is best seen in Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a view corresponding generally to Figure 13, but shows another form of the or-' gen valve and coupler pushrods. These rods, indicatedin Figure l8bynumerals 85 and M, are made of small diameter stiff Wir preferably nt'inch in diameter. Thelowerends of the rods 85' and 0| are engagedby sockets I43 and I65 respectively, while the upper ends of said rods threadedly engage the heads I45 and I45. The decreased thickness of therods permits them to pass more easily between the piano keys 51 While rotation of the heads I45 and I46, provides a simple adjustment of the effectiye length of said rods.

Turning now to a description of the vibraphone 24, best seen in Figures 2, 3, 6. and 14, thi v includes a plurality of Vibraphone bells or bars I50, resonators I5I, electrically operated hammers I52, rotating vanes I53, and a vane rotating electric motor I54.

The Vibraphone chassis includes a central longitudinally disposed frame element plates I56 and I51 which are supported by the case 2I by means of the horizontally disposed posts I58, I59, I60 and I 6I.

The bars I 50 are maintained in position by the cords I62 which are carried by channels I63 in turn attached to the plates I56 and I51. The resonators I5I are carried by the plates I56 and I51 in any suitable manner, and the lon er resonators are of right angle elbow construction so as to avoid unnecessary height.

Disposed within the lower portions of the resonators are the vanes I53 which are mounted on shafts I64 and I65. The shafts I64 and IE5 are suitably journalled at the front ends thereof, and forwardly of the rear ends which are provided with pulleys I66 and I61. The pulleys I66 and I61 are connected by means of the belts I68 and I69 to the motor pulley I10, In order. to maintain uniform speed of rotation of the vanes I53, the motor I54 is provided with a governor Hi.

The motor I54 need only run while the vibraphone is being played and soit may be started and stopped by means of a switch I12 which is located in a position convenient for the player (see Figure 15) The tone bars I50 are maintained in a normally damped condition by means of the vibraphone damper generally indicated by numeral I13. The Vibraphone damper I13 comprises a pair of spaced and parallel, horizontally and longitudinally disposed elongated members I14 and I15, which are interconnected by the trans- Each of the ity of felt damper pieces I19 which engage the rear faces of the bars I50 being held in resilient contact therewith by the contractile spring I80. The spring I is connected at the rear end thereof with the element I11 and at the forward end thereof to the under surface of the frame element I55. Any suitable means such, as piano wire in stiff tubing, or a series, of links and levers (not shown) interconnect the. damper I13 to the pedal I8I so that pressure on the pedal I8I result in the pulling of the damper felt pieces I19 out of contact with the tone bars I50. The disengaging movement of I55, main the damper I13 is horizontally rearward of the instrument 2!).

Each of the tone bars I 59'has its own individual electromagnetically operated hammer I52. When the solenoids I82 areenergized, as'will be more. particularly. described hereinbelow,'; the plungers I83 rise to strike theundersurfaces of the tone bars I59. The hammers I 52.. are suitably mounted on longitudinally disposed channel I84 and by' the bottom wall 35 in any suitable manner, as best seen in Figure 3, the bottom wall 35 havinga cut out portion in which the hammers-I52 are disposed.

The chimes 25 are best seen in Figures1;"1a, 1b, and 3. The chime tubes I88 are horizontally disposed transversely of the instrument 20 and are positioned directly below the top wall or cover 21. The left hand endsof each of the chime tubes is provided with a pair of orifices diametri- I85, which are'in'turn supported,

cally oppositely disposed through which is passed a catgut string I 89. At the beginning and end of the series, and between each of the chime tubes in the series, the catgut string is-interlaced through a row of apertures I90 in a right angled frame member I9I. The frame member'ISI is attached to the inner surface of the left side wall 33, and is preferably spaced therefrom by the use of felt washers I92.

The chime tubes I88 are rung by a row of'electrically operated'ha'mmers I93 including plungers I94 and solenoids I95. The hammers I93 are mounted upon the portion of the frame membe I9l.

The right hand ends of the chime tubes I88 are each suspended u'pon rubber bands 196' which extend between opposite pairs'of posts I91 and I98. The pairs of posts I91 and I98 project vertically upward and are arranged in a stepped'row along the support I 99 therefor. Since the vibration of each of the chime tubes I88 is initiated'at the left end thereof (the top of Figure 1) the support of the right end is very important so that the tone of the chime is not impaired. By the suspension of each of the right hand ends of the tubes at a point located inwardly from the right hand terminal thereof-upon the catenaryof a rubber band rigidly positioned at its ends, I have obtained'a good chime tone without requiringthe space needed wh'en the chime tubes are suspended vertically in the usual manner; 1

The chime damper 280 comprises an axle'2lll which is suitably journalled for rotation, about a horizontal axis, the said journals as seen in-Figure 1 being mounted on the inner vertical surface of the support I99. 'A plurality of radial fingers 202 all in the same plane carry at the ends thereof along rigid felt covered damper 'strip' 203 adapted to engage the under surfaces ofthetubes I88 whenin the normally raised or damping position thereof. The front end of the axle 2I I-I"has a radial arm 294 which is pivotally connected to a push bar 295. The bar 295 is connected 'by suitable linkage (not shown) to the pedal I 8| so that the chime damper 290 operates in'unison with the Vibraphone damper I 13.

; Whileas shown on the schematic electrical 291 since the solenoids give most satisfactory operation at 19 tovolts; Obviously when direct current is available the transformer 281 may be substituted resistor of proper value.

The Vibraphone keyboard 53 and the chime keyboard 54 are constructed in the form of a single unit which may be quickly and conveniently removed or replaced in the instrument 20. This combination keyboard unit generally indicated by numeral 209 is best seen in Figures 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.

The unit 209 includes a base plate 2IlJ which has the front wall 30 attached to the forward edge thereof. The rear edge of the base plate 2 I 9 is provided a recess 2 while the rearmost edge portions of the base plate 2III are connected to the movable contact rail 2I2. The lower surface of the plate 2 I 9 carries the contact strip 2 I 3.

The forward lower surface of the bedplate portion 48 has aifixed thereto a stationary contact rail 2 I 4.

Since both the electrical keyboards (53 and 54) have keys which are substantially identical, a detailed description of one will sufiice for all. As best seen in Figures 8 to 10 inclusive the key 2I5 is composed of insulating material. Because of the voltages used dry wood is satisfactory. The lower surface of the key 2I5 is provided with a small saddle 2I6, U shaped in cross section and adapted to straddle a spring wire finger 2I1.

The contact finger 2I1 is of L shape the lower portion thereof being anchored in the base plate 2I9 and making electrical connection with the contact strip 2I3. The normal position of the finger 2 I1 is seen in full lines in Figures 8 to 10 inclusive.

The rear ends of the keys mounted for rotation about a means of the axle 2I8 2I5 are pivotally horizontal axis by which is journalled on the contact rail 2I2. The front face of the rail 2I2 is provided with a plurality of angularly disposed composite contacts 2 I 9.

The contact 2 I9 is a small right angled piece of conducting material having a top portion HI and a rear portion 220. The under surface of the top portion 22I is provided with a layer of insulating material 222. The vertical or rear portion 229 is provided with an orifice through which a screw 223 is passed which serves to attach the contact 2I9 to the rail 2I2. Each contact 2I9 has a connector 224 of substantially U shape the upper rear arm of which resiliently contacts a contact 225 on the rail 2 I 4.

The operation of the key 2I5 is as follows. When the key 2I5 is pushed downward by the player the finger 2I1 goes first into the position 226 on Figure 10. It then travels in the direc tion of the arrows on said figure returning to its original position by sliding against the layer of insulation I22. The parts are of such size and arrangement that only a short downward travel of the key 2I5 will push the finger 2 I1 to the position 221. From this position 221 the finger 2I1 springs back up to the position 228 (if the key 2I5 is kept in a depressed position), while if the key 2I5 has been released the finger will go back to the starting or original position.

The principal advantage of the key structure 2I5 just described lies in the fact that by its use the solenoid I82 and I are only momentarily energized regardless of how long the key 2I5 is kept depressed on a single push by the player. This is of particular utility because it prevents the solenoids I82 and I95 from keeping the plungers I83 and I94 in contact with the vibraphone bars I58 and the chime tubes I88, after they have started vibrating on a given stroke.

This is so because the solenoids while energized hold the plungers in the uppermost positions. This utility is of even greater value when the solenoids are energized by alternating current, becausewhen this current is used, while the solenoids are actually energized any adjacent parts not absolutely solid and having magnetic properties will be caused to vibrate or buzz at the same pitch as the frequency of alternation of the electric current.

As seen on Figure 11 the high side of the line 230 is connected to one side of all of the solenoids I95'and i32. The returns 23I are connected to the contacts 225. From these contacts the circuit is completed via the connector 224, the contact 2I9, the spring finger 2I'I, the contact strip 2I3 and thence via the conductor 232.

Directing attention now to Figures 20 and 21 there is seen an alternate form of the chime damping mechanism. Figure 20 is generally comparable to Figure 1 and for the purpose of avoiding needless repetition parts corresponding to those of Figure 1 are given singly primed reference characters. As previously described the chime damper in the alternate form generally in dicated by numeral 200' is connected to and acts in unison with the Vibraphone damper which as previously stated is controlled by the pedal ISL It may be mentioned here that the pedal 234 is the usual loud pedal for the piano 22 and controls the dampers 50 in the usual manner.

The principal difference between the alternate form of chime damper 200 and the chime damper 200, lies in the fact that in the former the damping is obtained by bringing felt covered damper discs 203 against the ends of the chime tubes I88. I have found that in this manner I secure a more effective and satisfactory damping action. Furthermore since the pressure of the damper discs 203' is applied substantially longitudinally of the chime tubes H88 the constant raising and lowering of the chime tubes caused by the damper strip 203 is eliminated, with a consequent increase in the life of the rubber bands The damper discs 203 are normally maintained in the positions shown in Figures 20- and 21 and when the dampers are released or disengaged they are moved right or outwardly of the instrument 20.

Turning now to the second embodimentof the invention, there is shown in Figures 22 to 26 inclusive the manner in which the present in vention may be adapted for use with a vertical.

or upright piano.w Wherever possible for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary repetition, parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment are given doubly primed reference characters.

As seen in Figure 23 the Vibraphone is mount:

ed in the lower portion of the case 2!" and as contrasted with the first embodiment, the tone bars I50" are arranged in a single row. The supporting frame .235 includes the longitudinal frame elements 236 and 231; the end frame ele- 5 ments 238 and 239; the plate 25%; the frame members 2 1L242, 243, Mt-and 245, and the strips 246, which hold the :frame member 245 in proper position. The resonators I'i" are maintained in I position by the frame member 2&5. The lower surfaces of the frame members 243 and 24d are provided with felt padding 241 and the tone bars I50" are supported therefrom in any Well known manner. The solenoids I82 are supported in a row upon the longitudinally disposed channel means of brackets 249 (only the right hand one of which isfseeni in Figure 26). I The-vibraphonedamper I13 is normally maintained in resilient contact with the lower surfaces of theitone'bars I50" bysprings not shown, the damper T113 being supported by means of the lever structure 250. The damper I13" is, of

course, connectedibyimeans .not shown to'the foot in :all other respects, the Vibraphone 24" operates :in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Bjysreason of the arrangement of theione .bars I50" a single row, all of the vanes I53" may be mounted upon a single vane :shaft, which is.:rotated through a gear reduction 5031152.; 1

" The chime .tubes,1not shown, are suspended :along fh'e'rear of the case 121"", while they are struck by "the row of -electricalihammers I93" disposed above the :top wall 21, as best seen in Figure 2. Since the fhammers I93" operate by moving along :a horizontal plane, they are prefer- :ably .of the type in which the solenoid plunger is Jmaintained in'the inactive position thereof by resilient means.

1 The mandolin or cymbalum effect producing mechanism 126" comprises a horizontally disposed bar 253 on which are :mounted a plurality of buzzer elements I 2" in the form of right angled thintmetal pieces. The upper ends of the buzzer elements 12" areattached to the bar 253 in any suitable :manner, while the lower rear surface of the buzzer elements 12" is provided with metallic enlargements I4. These enlargements 14" are adapted to be positioned between the hammers 59" and :the strings 50 when the bar 253 is lowered. The lowering of the bar 253 is accomplished by means of the bell crank structures 254 and 255, which in turn, are actuated by the pull rods 25.6 and 251, the lower ends of .each of which are connected by means of a tie bar 258 to the pedal 19''. 7

It will be understood that since the springs I35 and I4 I operate in a direction different from the springs I35 and -l 4 I, the knee controls (not shown) corresponding to the knee controls I34 and I40 are movable in the same directions nevertheless, .so as to-operate in the same manner as the knee controls I34 and I40, by reason of the fact that the .said knee controls are associated with the shafts I30" and 260 oppositely of the cranks 26I and 262, which, .as viewed in Figure 23, are positioned rearwardly of the shafts I30" and 260 respectively.

I wish it to be understood that-I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction .shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to aperson skilled in the art,

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

1. vIn a musical instrument of the class de- 2 scribed; a case having a stationary base plate; a

plurality of piano strings vibratable at sonic frequencies and relatively stationary in position with position thereof being disposed at a distance from said strings at least equal to the distance between said hammers and said strings, said means in the second position thereof being disposed at a distance from said strings less than the distance between said hammers and said strings; and said means in the third position thereof having the buzzer element positioned between said hammers and said strings.

2. In a musical instrument of the class described; a case having a stationary base plate; a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed piano strings vibratable at sonic frequencies and relatively stationary in position with relation to said base plate; a hammer action including a plurality of independently operable hammers and keys for the actuating of the same, said hammer action being detachably secured in position in spaced relation below said strings; means to provide a cymbalum efiect from the piano strings including a movable buzzer element shiftable in position to a location between said hammers and said strings; said means being movable into first, second and third positions, said means in the first position thereof being disposed at a distance below said strings at least equal to the distance between said hammers and said strings, and in the second position thereof being disposed at a distance below said strings less than the distance between said hammers and said strings, and in the third position thereof having the buzzer element disposed between said hammers and said strings.

BASIL N. FOMEEN. 

